All The Monitor's View
- The deterrent to insurrection
Most Americans – including most Republicans – decry political violence like that against the U.S. Capitol. The moral norm of peaceful deliberation still works against the hate and fear behind armed protesters.
- Argentina's embrace of equality for women
A law giving women control over their reproductive decisions reflects a recognition of the inherent dignity of all.
- Contrition in a crisis brings out truth
Upheavals like a pandemic or political polarization often force humility in leaders. North Korea’s Kim Jong Un may be an example.
- Textbook examples of dissolving hate
Along with warming Arab-Israel ties comes a crucial step: a rethink of how children are taught to disparage a perceived enemy.
- Resisting hibernation
"Winter placemaking" lures urban dwellers in cold-weather cities out of their self-made cocoons to experience the joys of the frosty season.
- A time for healing
The U.S. has been shocked by rioters entering its Capitol Building. Americans must work together to find something better than perpetual tribal warfare.
- Responding to a cyber Pearl Harbor
In less unusual times the hacking of computer systems in top U.S. government agencies might have dominated the news. The act needs a prompt, vigorous response.
- Why 2021 brings hope on climate change
Efforts to curb global warming have failed to meet the expectations of the Paris Agreement. But a new U.S. commitment gives a reason for optimism.
- What's in a name? A lot.
The year 2020 saw names that no longer represent how Americans see themselves come off buildings, places, even sports teams.
- Home is where the work is
The pandemic has caused the concept of home as a haven of rest, shielded from the world of earning a living, to be revised.
- Christmas 2020
This year many traditions will be paused or altered. But the spirit of Christmas will still lift hearts.
- Time to give, big or small
2020 finds the welfare of many across the globe in jeopardy. But from billionaires to ordinary folks people are experiencing the joy of giving.
- Changing tactics on terrorism
Nigeria has been hit by a series of abductions of schoolchildren by jihadis. Treating them as military opponents hasn’t succeeded. A new program offers amnesty and a way back into society.
- The rewards of an upward and outward vision
Despite a year of huge earthly challenges, the exploration of space has gone on, including many successful missions and firsts. Even more lies just ahead.
- Electricity’s clean giants sizzle – quietly
Worldwide, companies that generate power from renewable, nonpolluting sources are becoming major players.
- Europe's eye on torture in its backyard
A world leader in setting norms against torture, the continent is finally awakening to the torture of pro-democracy protesters in Belarus.
- A decade of declaring decency in government
In the 10 years since Tunisia’s revolution, many more nations have seen anti-corruption protests. Yet why does honest governance still seem elusive?
- India’s lesson on rushed reforms for farmers
Mass protests against liberalizing agricultural markets show why progress must come with consensus.
- College football’s resourceful rehuddle
If the 2020 season is teaching anything, it’s that keeping things flexible isn’t as impossible as previously thought.
- A critical aspect of the vaccination campaign
Health experts put a new focus on alleviating individual fears, learning from the mistakes made during the Ebola crisis.